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E-scooter tuning: What is allowed?

E-scooter tuning: dangers, regulations and sanctions

Since 2019, e-scooters have been officially approved for road use as small electric vehicles – but only with a maximum speed of 20 km/h. We adhered to this principle when developing the Moovi e-scooters. This means our foldable electric scooters can be used safely on public roads and represent a great, environmentally friendly, and fuel-efficient alternative to cars. 20 km/h is too slow for you and you want to tune your e-scooter? Then caution is advised. In this magazine, we present options for e-scooter tuning, but above all, we also explain the dangers, regulations, and penalties – for a safe ride on your e-scooter.

E-scooter tuning – what you should consider:

1. E-scooter tuning: How does it work?
2. Regulations and sanctions for e-scooter tuning: What is permitted?
3. Dangers of e-scooter tuning – safety first
4. Conclusion: E-scooter tuning – is it worth it?

E-scooter tuning: How does it work?

Want to upgrade your e-scooter and go faster than 20 km/h? Then you basically have several options for tuning your scooter. For example, you can use special apps, install tuning modules or chips, or—if you have the technical knowledge—even replace the motor. Keep in mind, however, that this always involves a certain amount of cost and effort. Furthermore, there are strict legal guidelines that you must adhere to in German traffic.

Regulations and sanctions for e-scooter tuning: What is allowed?

The basic rule for e-scooter tuning is: Not everything that's technically possible is also permitted. Simple cosmetic modifications, such as changing the color or adding stickers, cell phone mounts, and the like, are permitted. However, modifications to the lighting, brakes, or bell, which are essential for road safety, are prohibited. Things get particularly tricky if you want to modify your e-scooter and make it go faster than the permitted 20 km/h.

In principle, you can tune and derestrict your e-scooter using various methods, but this will only allow you to ride it on private property and not on public roads. Tuning will invalidate your e-scooter's insurance coverage and thus its roadworthiness in Germany.

Penalties: What sanctions are there for e-scooter tuning?

If you derestrict your e-scooter at the permitted speed and are caught doing so on public roads, you face legal sanctions. If the e-scooter travels faster than 20 km/h, its roadworthiness and mandatory insurance coverage are automatically revoked. Riding an e-scooter without roadworthiness is punishable by fines of €70. Riding an electric scooter without insurance is not just an administrative offense, but a criminal offense. If convicted, this can result in a prison sentence of up to one year, three points on your license, and the revocation of your driving license.

The dangers of e-scooter tuning: Safety first

Even if you only plan to use your tuned e-scooter on private property and are therefore legally safe, you should be aware of the dangers of e-scooter tuning. Depending on the tuning method you choose, your e-scooter can reach a top speed of between 35 and 85 km/h without throttling, making it as fast as a car in city traffic. The braking distance also changes, making it even more difficult to estimate. Riding your scooter outdoors without protection can quickly become dangerous, resulting in serious or even fatal injuries if you fall or crash into a tree.

In addition, you run the risk of destroying the electric scooter and rendering it unusable through incorrect technical handling. Furthermore, the Warranty rights, liability claims and the guarantee of the manufacturer.

Conclusion: E-scooter tuning – is it worth it?

Tuning your e-scooter takes time, effort, and money. Furthermore, if you exceed speeds of 20 km/h, your e-scooter will immediately lose its roadworthiness, making it usable only on private property. Failure to do so will result in a €70 fine. Riding a tuned scooter without insurance on public roads constitutes a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment, points on your license, and the suspension of your license. Even on private property where tuned e-scooters are permitted, the following applies: High speed also increases the risk of accidents and injuries. You will lose warranty rights, liability claims, and the manufacturer's guarantee. Our clear conclusion: Stay away from e-scooter tuning! If you absolutely want to ride a faster scooter for private use, it is better to go straight for models that are not street legal and do not have a throttle.